A recent study released by Burapha University (BUU) suggests that teenagers invited to try smoking cigarettes by their friends are significantly more likely pick up the habit.
In a story appearing in the Bangkok Post, Komollapoo Thanomsat, researcher at BUU, identified four critical factors in determining whether or not teenagers take up smoking. Among them were direct peer pressure, proximity to people who smoke, personal views on smoking, and their own ability to avoid smoking. According to the study, peer invitation increased the likelihood of taking a drag by 2.9 times.
Data from the National Statistics Office suggests that 16.4% of the overall Thai population has been smoking cigarettes since their early teenage years.
